Car Accident Lawyers Fort Collins CO

CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS FORT COLLINS CO

As trusted car accident lawyers Fort Collins CO offers, we often hear a few very common questions from our clients. One of these questions is: If you have a minor accident, do you have to report it?

It’s understandable that so many people ask this, because “fender benders” are quite common and often result in very little damage. It may seem unnecessary to report this type of accident. However, there are circumstances in which you should report a vehicle accident, no matter how minor it is.

FAQ: Do You Have to Report Minor Vehicle Accidents to the Police?

Almost all states require you to report an accident if there is an injury involved, which is something that could occur with even a minor accident. For minor accidents with no injuries, some states require you to report the accident to the police if the damage is worth over a certain amount. The amount varies by state, but it is usually $1,000 or $2,500. Your Fort Collins car accident lawyers can tell you the requirements in your state.

When the Other Driver is Cooperative: Car accident lawyers Fort Collins CO residents trust may recommend that you report the accident to the police even when the driver is cooperative. It depends on the circumstances.

You should exchange information with the other driver when the accident occurs. You want to get their contact information, their license plate and driver’s license number, and their insurance information. No matter what state you live in, you are required to exchange this information for any accident.

If the driver does have insurance and is cooperative with you, keep in mind that there still may be a need to report the accident to the police. Many car accident lawyers in Fort Collins CO have seen situations where everything went well on the scene after the accident, but a dispute arose later.

Additionally, keep in mind that injuries can occur even in minor accidents and might not show up until days after the accident. If this is the case, without contacting the police and having an official report, the legitimacy of your claim is based on your word against the other driver’s.

When the Other Driver is Uncooperative: You may face a driver who doesn’t want to cooperate or who appears to not have insurance. In this case, you should report the accident and request that law enforcement come to the scene to help you resolve the situation. If the driver isn’t cooperating immediately after the accident, you can imagine how things may proceed in the future. A car accident lawyer Fort Collins, CO may provide may help you sort through any problems that arise later on if you file a claim.

FAQ: Driving Safety Tips for Teens

When teenagers first start driving, it’s common for parents to worry. As a car accident lawyer Fort Collins, CO can provide may attest, teenagers are simply inexperienced behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this means they are more likely to get into car accidents than adults with years of driving experience.

Many vehicle accidents are not avoidable, as a car accident lawyer Fort Collins, CO offers could tell you. However, there are several things you can do to minimize risks while your son or daughter is driving.

Set Driving Rules: Before you let your teenager on the road, it’s important to set a few driving rules and make sure he or she understands them. For example, you might want to only allow your teen to drive short distances or call and check in with you at least every two hours.

Enrollment in a Safe Driving Course: It’s a wise idea to invest in a safe driving course for your teen. The more experience and skills a driver has behind the wheel, the less likely he or she will get into an accident. During this course, young drivers learn things like crash prevention techniques, defensive driving, and the importance of using seat belts and other safety equipment.

Have Zero Tolerance for Drinking and Driving: It’s essential to emphasize the dangers of drinking and driving from day one. Explain that having even one alcoholic drink before getting behind the wheel can cloud judgement and increase the risk of an accident. For underage drivers who are found to be driving while intoxicated, the penalties tend to be very severe.

Practice Driving in Harsh Weather Conditions: Harsh weather conditions, like rain and snow, can increase the risk of vehicle accidents. While it’s best for your new drivers to avoid driving in these conditions, it sometimes can’t be avoided. If strong winds or heavy snow is common where you live, for example, it’s a good idea for your child to practice driving with you in the car.

Set a Good Example: You can’t expect your teen driver to be responsible behind the wheel if you aren’t yourself. That’s why it is important to always set a good example in front of your child. Wear your seat belt, don’t talk on your cell phone while driving, and avoid speeding.

These tips can go a long way for helping your teen driver stay safe on the road. However, even if your son or daughter is careful behind the wheel, it doesn’t mean other drivers will be. If your child was involved in a car accident, it’s a good idea to contact a car accident lawyer Fort Collins, CO parents trust. This is especially true if your son or daughter was injured in an accident due to the negligent actions of another driver. A Fort Collins, CO car accident lawyer may help you file a lawsuit against the liable driver and recover fair compensation.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, it’s wise to contact a car accident lawyer Fort Collins, CO trusts. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses and your pain and suffering. Although you can file a personal injury claim on your own, there’s no reason why you have to go through the claims process alone. An experienced car accident lawyer in Fort Collins, CO can provide dependable and trustworthy legal counsel to help you through the entire process.

If you need help dealing with damages after an accident, call the car accident lawyers Fort Collins CO drivers would recommend at Cannon Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC by calling 970-689-3037 today.

The Wyoming State Bar does not certify any lawyer as a specialist or expert. Anyone considering a lawyer should independently investigate the lawyer’s credentials and ability, and not rely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise.